The Corvettes will be performing at the Lymes’ Senior Center this evening, Thursday, July 30, in a free concert starting at 7 p.m., which will be held rain or shine — outdoors if the weather cooperates or indoors if not. All are welcome.

The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue is dedicated to preserving and performing the greatest music ever made – the music of the 1950’s Doo Wop era. From New Hampshire to New Orleans and Virginia to Vegas, The Corvettes perform the great music of the Doo Wop era with a fresh new energy. Their entertaining show and stage antics have entertained many a happy audience.

The concert is sponsored by Suisman Shapiro Attorneys at Law, Northeast Financial, the Town of Old Lyme and Lymes’ seniors.

The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee is providing and serving complimentary ice cream after the concert.

The weather was perfect Saturday as more than 500 runners and walkers of all ages started to gather in front of Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School from 6:30 a.m. onward to participate in the three races being held that day to support Caroline’s Miracle Foundation (CMF). It had previously been announced that this would be the final time that the event would be held.

Shortly before 8 a.m. when the 5K race began, a large crowd thronged the starting line.

The O’Brien family came together for a photo (below.) It was their eldest daughter Caroline, who passed away in July 2010 from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) – a rare and inoperable form of brain cancer — at age 11, who formed CMF prior to her death. All proceeds from the event support the Foundation.

The mission of CMF is to bring smiles to the faces of children battling brain tumors and other serious illnesses, as well as supporting safety initiatives in Old Lyme. To see some of the ways the foundation has brightened the lives of these children, visit carolinesmiraclefoundation.org.

The O’Brien family stand at the starting line.

After the race, some of the innumerable volunteers posed for a photo in their T-shirts spanning all five years of the event.

Some of the loyal volunteers, many of whom have served through all five years that the event has been held.

A total of 316 runners finished the 5K race. The other two events were a 5K walk and a Kid’s K.

Twenty-five year-old James Rosenberger was the overall winner of the 5K with a time of 18.08.3. The fastest woman was 19-year-old Sarah Hammond who completed the 5K course in 20.40.4. Medals were awarded for the first, second and third placed runners in each age category.

Incumbents First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder (right) and Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal have been endorsed by the Old Lyme Democrats to run again in November.

Indicating that they are clearly comfortable with their current leadership, the Old Lyme Democratic town Committee (DTC) last night endorsed incumbents Bonnie Reemsnyder and Mary Jo Nosal for First Selectwoman and Selectwoman respectively in the upcoming November election. The full slate of candidates, in fact, reflected a high level of satisfaction in the performance of those currently serving since the vast majority of endorsed positions were incumbents.

The only newcomers to the slate were Peter Hunt for the Region 18 Board of Education (incumbent Sarah Smalley is not running again) and Marissa Hartmann as an alternate for the zoning board of appeals. Additionally, Ruth Dillon Roach is challenging Judith Tooker for the position of tax collector.

The remaining slate of incumbents includes David Woolley and Bennett Bernblum for the board of finance with Adam Burrows as an alternate. Joseph Soucie was endorsed for Treasurer, Paul Fuchs and Michelle Roche for the board of education and Jane Cable for the zoning commission. Finally, Karen Conniff and Kip Kotzan were endorsed for the zoning board of appeals.

In her endorsement acceptance speech, Nosal commented on the, “outstanding team of candidates,” noting its strength would enable the Democrats to, “continue to assert our message of collaboration, communication and community.”

She also noted that Reemsnyder, “is the right person, at the right time to continue as the CEO of our town … She has brought fair and balanced leadership to the office … She is respected in Hartford and the [Lower Connecticut] River Council of Governments.” Mentioning Reemsnyder’s ability to “get things done,” Nosal cited examples of Reemsnyder mending the “broken relationships” she inherited with the Town of Lyme and Region 18, and also Reemsnyder’s focus on customer service, which has been felt throughout Town Hall.

Nosal ended with a promise “to try and keep up with her as Selectwoman,” which sparked enthusiastic applause.

After the unanimous vote to endorse the full slate of candidates had been taken, Reemsnyder thanked the DTC for placing their confidence in her and said she found the endorsement, “humbling,” adding to rippled laughter, “Since taking office in 2011, we’ve been through a lot together.” She mentioned Superstorm Sandy, the Sandy Hook tragedy, the Blizzard of 2013 and Winter Storm of 2015, but stressed that she does not spend much time looking back at her accomplishments because “I’m so embedded in what I’m doing.”

On her current “To Do” are completion of the boathouse/Hains Park project, implementing the Rte. 156/Hartford Ave. bikeway and improvements, and sorting out the Water Pollution Control Authority/sewer situation. Reemsnyder commented that others may talk about fiscal conservatism but she prefers, “fiscal responsibility,” which requires planning ahead for future needs and maintenance of current assets. She noted, “That’s what we’ve spent a lot of time doing.”

Finally Reemsnyder committed to “maintain my style,” of an open door policy, responsiveness, collaboration, and a willingness, “to continue to learn and listen.”

State Representatives Devin Carney (R-23) and Jesse MacLachlan (R-35) along with State Senators Art Linares (R-33) and Paul Formica (R-20) invite residents to attend legislative wrap-ups on Tuesday, July 21, and Monday, July 27.

Legislators will be available to discuss the laws that passed during the legislative session and how these measures will affect area businesses and residents.

The Old Lyme Legislative Update will feature Senator Formica and Representative Devin Carney on Monday, July 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, 2 Library Ln, Old Lyme.

Nicole Breault (right) at the helm of the winning US Women’s Match Racing sailboat in Vladivostek.

Nicole Breault, a graduate of Lyne-Old Lyme schools and former head of the History Department at Lyme-Old Lyme High School (LOLHS), was the skipper of the US Women’s Match Racing team, which was victorious in the Women’s Grand Final at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Nations Cup held in Vladivostek, Russia over July 15-19.

The ISAF Nations Cup was first introduced to the world in 1991, with Open and Women’s contests based on a series of Regional Finals with the top crews meeting at the Grand Final.

Nicole Breault

Breault now lives in San Francisco but still has many friends in Old Lyme. She graduated as Valedictorian, an All-State soccer player, point guard on the basketball team and captain of the LOLHS team that won the 1990 Connecticut High School Sailing Championship.

Breault was a two-time International 420 champion (the first woman to achieve this in a high performance dinghy class.)

She went to Yale University and was an All-American collegiate sailor there and captain of their co-ed sailing team.

The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library welcomes newcomers to its Friends organization.

The Friends of the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library held their Annual Meeting June 24, at the Library.

Friends and volunteers were recognized for helping to make 2014-2015 a successful year and some notable highlights of those efforts were reviewed – the Bookworm Ball, the BookCellar’s strong showing under new leadership and the group’s appreciation for its many profitable years under the previous managers.

Retiring Friends’ Chairman Mary Haymann was honored for her many years of dynamic leadership. She in turn expressed her appreciation for the honor of having led the group, reminding the library’s Friends and patrons that “in this age of virtual reality, let’s not forget to actively support our brick and mortar Library.”

The results of fundraising activities such as the Bookworm Ball and the BookCellar were presented, with Library Director Mary Fiorelli expressing her appreciation and reporting on how the library uses and benefits from the Friends’ financial support.

New Friends Council members Steve Ross and Christiana Fusari were elected. There was agreement on the importance of welcoming new Friends. All those who use or care about the library are being encouraged to join. Information and applications can be found on the library’s website at http://www.oldlyme.lioninc.org/friends-of-the-library/

The meeting was followed by a presentation on the life of Phoebe Griffin Noyes given by Carolyn Wakeman, an author and Trustee of the Florence Griswold Museum, whose talk was enhanced by the inclusion of detailed information, photographs and illustrations depicting the community of Old Lyme in Phoebe’s day.

There’s always a vast array of flowers, fruit and vegetables at the ‘En Plein Air’ market on Saturday at the Florence Griswold Museum.

The weather forecast is perfect for Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival, a town-wide celebration of the arts, which is being held Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25. Since the early 20th century Old Lyme, Conn., has been known to artists and art lovers alike as a haven for the arts.

The crowd settles in to enjoy the Friday night concert at the Florence Griswold Museum.

The annual free concert on Friday, July 24 at the Florence Griswold Museum is always a favorite and makes for a perfect summer evening.

The Manhattan Brass quintet will entertain on Friday evening along the banks of the Lieutenant River at the Florence Griswold Museum

Find your spot along the Lieutenant River and enjoy an evening of American music by Manhattan Brass from 7 to 9 p.m.

Enjoy the artwork of the ‘Plein Air’ artists in front of Center School.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner or let Gourmet Galley prepare a delicious meal. Reservations can be made at www.Gourmet-Galley.com.

Meet the oxen from Cranberry Meadow Farm on the lawn of the Lyme Art Association.

The Festival continues on Saturday, July 25, with activities spanning locations along Lyme Street, the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district – the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, the Old Lyme Inn, Studio 80 + Sculpture Park, Old Lyme Historical Society, Old Lyme Center School, the Old Lyme – Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, and a variety of Lyme Street merchants.

The Lyme Garden Club is always a popular spot in front of the Lyme Art Association.

Visitors to the Festival enjoy art, food, musical performances, hands-on activities for children, a dog show, a French-styled market, artisan vendors, book signings, and so much more! Many activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue through 4 p.m.

Parking is available at Old Lyme Marketplace, Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Lyme-Old Lyme High School, and Lyme-Old Lyme Center and Middle Schools. A shuttle bus runs between these locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Old Lyme Town Band will give a concert behind Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School at 7:30 p.m. in advance of the town-sponsored fireworks, which will start around 9:15 p.m.

Updated 07/24: At their caucus Thursday evening, the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee (RTC) endorsed newcomer Cathy Carter for First Selectwoman to challenge Democrat incumbent Bonnie Reemsnyder in November. Two years ago, the Republicans did not endorse a candidate for First Selectman and Reemsnyder was re-elected unopposed.

Incumbent Selectman Arthur “Skip” Sibley was endorsed in 2013, however, and was endorsed again for the same position yesterday.

Carter comes from a family with a long political tradition — her father John Quine was the Republican Mayor of Meriden in the 70s and involved in town politics there as minority or majority leader for 27 years.

Asked how she felt after receiving the endorsement, Carter responded, “I think it’s really exciting, this is really my passion .” She noted she was “very close” to her father and grew up actively debating political issues with him. He never moved into state politics because, according to Carter, “for him politics was really a community thing — it was all about making the best community you could.”

Echoing his mission for her venture into the political arena, Carter said, “I feel very fortunate living in Old Lyme. My husband brought me here 27 years ago and I’ve loved living here.” Carter and her husband, Christopher, have raised two children in Old Lyme. She currently works full-time as the Admissions Associate at The Williams School in New London after previously serving as the school’s Assistant Athletic Director for seven years.

Carter was heavily involved in the establishment of girl’s lacrosse in Old Lyme, where she was one of the founding members of the ‘Ticks’ Girls’ Lacrosse Club and also served as the assistant coach at Lyme-Old Lyme High School for a period of years.

David Kelsey, RTC Chairman, commented enthusiastically, ” I am very excited to have someone of the caliber of Cathy to represent the Republicans. Her educational background is municipal administration, so in terms of connecting with the voters, she has the experience, which, in turn, will serve her well as First Selectwoman.” He added, “We’re all really excited to get behind her for this November.”

Although Carter has not held any prior town office, Kelsey explained, “She’s been very active in the local Republican party.” Asked why she had not previously sought a town position, Carter responded that she was already involved with many other things, citing her family, lacrosse and work. Her husband, Christopher, who was raised in Old Lyme, previously served on the Region 18 Board of Education as a Republican.

Carter noted with a chuckle that she and her husband met as a result of their shared interest in politics when they were both working on the 1988 Presidential Primaries.

Regarding Sibley’s endorsement, Kelsey said, “It speaks for itself. Skip has the depth of elected experience that we want to support.” Kelsey noted that he believed Sibley was running for his eight consecutive term on the board of selectmen.

Two newcomers were endorsed for the Region 18 Board of Education. Erick Cushman is a US Navy commander and has been employed at Electric Boat for 15 years. Stacy Winchell is Co-President of the Lyme-Old Lyme Junior Women’s Club and also an alternate on the Old Lyme Zoning Commission.

Other endorsements made Thursday evening were Judith Tooker for tax collector; former Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold for town treasurer; Jane Marsh for the zoning commission; Harold Thompson and Christopher Kerr for the planning commission; Rod White for the board of assessment; Andy Russell for board of finance; and finally Kelsey and Robert Jose as alternates for the board of finance. No endorsement was made for the zoning board of appeals.

The Democrats hold their caucus next Monday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. also in the town hall.

The Lyme-Old Lyme community will come together for the final time on Saturday, July 25, to honor the memory of Caroline O’Brien of Old Lyme, at the Sixth Annual Caroline’s Miracle Foundation 5K Run, 5K Walk and Kids K. This race attracted more than 500 runners last year and 2015 marks the final year the Foundation will hold this event.

Carolin O’Brien

Caroline O’Brien, a silly, happy, carefree 10-year-old girl was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor in 2009. The tumor, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, has been called the cruelest and deadliest of all cancers. Caroline started her foundation in 2010 with the help of her family.

Initially, the O’Briens wanted to raise money for the cure, however, it was 11-year-old Caroline who requested that the foundation focus on helping kids with brain tumors do “really fun things.” To date, Caroline’s Miracle Foundation has boosted the spirits of 78 kids … and counting. To see some of the ways the foundation has “brought smiles to the faces” of children, visit carolinesmiraclefoundation.org.

To celebrate the final year of this extraordinary fundraiser, the O’Briens have eliminated a set registration fee, instead allowing runners to donate a fee of their choice. This event is a 100 percent volunteer effort, which means that 100 percent of donations will go directly to creating extraordinary “smiles” for kids battling serious illness.

The event draws runners of all ages.

A committee of volunteers of all ages has planned the race, which will be timed and is both flat and very fast. The race will start in front of Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, head down historic Lyme Street and weave its way through the historic village of Old Lyme.

Young friends of Caroline have made posters and decorations to line the race route, including the now familiar ‘smiley face’ logo, which adorns the shirts for the first 200 registered runners.

Registration opens at 6:45 a.m. at the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) at 59 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT. There are three separate events; the 5K walk starts at 8 a.m., the 5K run starts at 8:15 a.m. and the Kids’ K starts at 9 a.m.

Following the run, a party with music, food, free massages and more will be held at LYSB. After that, runners and their families are invited to visit the Old Lyme Midsummer Festival, taking place all day on Lyme Street.

Participants are strongly encouraged to pre-register online at www.carolinesmiraclefoundation.org. On-line registration closes Thursday, July 23, at 12 noon. On-site registration at LYSB (59 Lyme St., Old Lyme) will be held on Friday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Race Day starting at 6:45 a.m.

The Old Lyme Republicans will hold their caucus at 6 p.m. this evening in Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall. It is anticipated they will endorse a full slate of candidates for November’s election, including candidates for both First Selectman and Selectman.

Two years ago, the Republicans did not endorse a candidate to challenge incumbent First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, though they did endorse incumbent Selectman Arthur “Skip” Sibley for Selectman, who was subsequently re-elected.

The Democrats hold their caucus next Monday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. also in the town hall.

The Funky Dawgs will entertain in their signature upbeat fashion Thursday evening in Sound View.

The Town of Old Lyme and the Sound View Commission are sponsoring family-friendly concerts at Sound View Beach this summer.

The third concert of the 2015 series will be held Thursday, July 23, and features the Funky Dawgs Brass Band. Featured on Live For Live Music’s ‘Brass Bands You Need To Know,’ this band has exploded onto the live music scene playing a mix of traditional New Orleans R&B, original music, and today’s top hits with a brass twist.

When the band is not playing shows they are giving back to the community. The Funky Dawgz aim to connect, engage, inspire, and rejuvenate music education in inner city schools across the country. The band frequently gives performances and master classes to young musicians in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state.

Come see what the buzz is all about with the Dawgz by stopping by in Sound View tomorrow evening and enjoying this free outdoor concert. It will take place from 7 through 8.30 p.m., near the flag pole at the end of Hartford Avenue at Sound View Beach.

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and settle in for a lovely evening of sunset music.

Everyone is welcome to attend these family-friendly events.

There is no rain location for this concert. Should a weather cancellation be necessary it will be posted on LymeLine.com and the Town website under “News & Announcements.

An opening reception for “Painting the Figure,” an exhibition and sale of figure paintings by Jerry Weiss, will be held at The Cooley Gallery this afternoon, Wednesday, July 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is welcome.

Weiss comes from a family of artists — his father was a celebrated cartoonist and his mother a painter. While Weiss often paints landscapes, he always returns to rendering the human figure. As a young artist and with his parents support he dedicated six years to the study of the human form.

Weiss explains, “My goal was to create a visual diary that would be a pictorial of family and friends. Then, as now, I am intrigued by the portrait as a most sacred subject.” Through rich paint application and both intuitive and intellectual editing, Weiss’s subjects pulse with vitality.

Capturing a moment or a mood with laser-like insight, Weiss’s subjects present themselves to the viewer with a singular clarity. He comments, “I work from life. I like to paint fairly large and rapidly.”

Though known to many as an accomplished painter of portraits, Weiss is also a published writer, wordsmith and teacher, admired for his clarity, insight and wit.

Weiss has had numerous solo exhibitions in museums and galleries. He teaches figure drawing and painting year-round at the Art Students League of New York and leads intensive workshops around the country. He was an instructor at Lyme Academy College for 15 years and is a Contributing Editor to The Artist’s Magazine, for which he writes features and the ‘Master Class’ column.

This exhibition of a dozen figure paintings and drawings will be on view at The Cooley Gallery, 25 Lyme St., through Aug. 15.

Weiss will also be teaching a class at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts of the University of New Haven this summer. For more information, visit www.lymeacademy.edu.

Founded in 1981 and located in the heart of historic Old Lyme, the Cooley Gallery specializes in fine American paintings from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including the Hudson River School, American Impressionism, and select contemporary artists. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (860) 434-8807or email info@cooleygallery.com f

During Free Summer Second Sundays, visitors can enjoy the exhibition All the Sea Knows: Marine Art from the Museum of the City of New York as well as a variety of outdoor activities and hands-on projects.

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, all residents of New London County receive free admission to the Florence Griswold Museum on second Sundays this summer – Aug. 9, and Sept. 13.

The Museum’s riverfront landscape is situated on an 11-acre site in the historic village of Old Lyme. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, where a generation of Impressionist artists lived, the Museum features an exhibition gallery, education and landscape centers, extensive gardens, and a restored artist’s studio.

Pictured from the ‘All the Sea Knows: Marine Art from the Museum of the City of New York’ exhibition, James Edward Buttersworth’s Yacht Race off Fort Wadsworth, ca. 1870 from the Museum of the City of New York.

Visitors to Summer Second Sundays will enjoy, All the Sea Knows: Marine Art from the Museum of the City of New York, an exhibition of that highlights the Museum of the City of New York’s renowned marine art collection. From folk art gems to Hudson River School panoramas to moody Tonalist contemplations of man and sea, these works capture the excitement of the age of sail and steam.

Visitors can also tour the historic Florence Griswold House, restored to its appearance as the boardinghouse for the Lyme Art Colony, stroll through Miss Florence’s historic gardens, and relax along the banks of the Lieutenant River. Can You Find Me cards in the gallery and a scavenger hunt in the historic house make the trip both fun and educational for families.

Visitors of any age can drop in at the Museum’s Education Center for a quick painting lesson before heading down to the river or out in the garden for an afternoon of plein-air painting. All materials included. The new outdoor Art Cart invites exploration of the grounds through interactive, hands-on projects.

“Free Summer Second Sundays is a great way for the Museum to make new friends in New London County,” notes David D.J. Rau, the Museum’s Director of Education and Outreach. He adds, “We are grateful for the support of The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.”

New London County residents can enjoy Free Summer Second Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. with proof of residency. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme, exit 70 off I-95.

And they’re off! When the church bell rings at 8 a.m. today, this will again be the scene.

The final day of the annual White Elephant Sale (WES) hosted by the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme is today from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and most prices are discounted by 50 percent.

The sale opened yesterday at 9 a.m. precisely — but you can be sure that wasn’t be the same time that the first customers arrive! People were standing in pole positions around the roped-off lawn outside the church much earlier vying for positions to snap up potential bargains spotted from a distance.

This is the 78th successive year that the sale has been held and it is firmly established as one of the main events on both the town and church calendars.

Garage and rummage sales are regular events, but few can match the size and color of this one. The sale items are organized into some 20 departments that fill the church buildings and every available space on the lawn.

The sale is sponsored by the Ladies Benevolent Society (LBS) of the church and raises money for missions and good works both locally and through out the world. Beneficiaries run the gamut from food pantries, health organizations, family support centers, children’s programs, world relief, housing and many many more.

Now so large, the sale has not only become a community event but also one that many visitors plan their vacations around so as to attend or work the WES. In fact, many donations and a number of workers are from non-church members. All 200 or so volunteers pitch in for two weeks collecting, sorting, pricing and organizing items awaiting the big day on Friday when the crowds anxiously gather outside the ropes surrounding the church.

When the clock in the bell tower strikes nine, the ropes come down and the shoppers run for their favorite departments looking for those hidden treasures. There is lunch and soda to refresh the shoppers so they can repeat the same process again on Saturday morning, but then the sale starts at 8 a.m. and runs through noon, and most prices are discounted 50 percent.

The crowd waits patiently for the clock to chime 9 a.m. before rushing to find their own special bargain.

It’s once again time for one of the biggest rummage sales in all of New England — the White Elephant Sale [WES] sponsored by the Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, which takes place this year at the church on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11.

This popular sale raises money for missions and good works both locally and through out the world. Some of the beneficiaries include food pantries, health organizations, family support centers, children’s programs, world relief, housing, along with many many more.

For those new to the town or those who have never taken part, this is the 78th successive year and is one of the main events on both the town and church calendars. Everyone has seen garage and rummage sales, but few can match the size and color of this one.

The sale items are organized into more than 20 departments that fill the church buildings and every available space on the lawn. It has grown so large, it has become a true “community event” as many of the donations and a number of volunteer workers are non-church members. Many people plan their vacations or family visits to Old Lyme so as to attend or work at the WES.

More than 200 volunteers pitch in for two weeks collecting, sorting, pricing and organizing items for the big day when the crowds anxiously gather outside the ropes surrounding the church grounds. When the bell tower clock strikes 9 a.m., the ropes come down and the shoppers run for their favorite departments looking for those bargains.

And if that isn’t enough — there is lunch and soda to refresh the shoppers so they can repeat the same process again on Saturday morning when the prices are discounted by 50 percent. Check out the pictures on the church website and a Youtube video link of a previous sale.

The Grass Routes Bluegrass Band will perform at Sound View on Thursday evening.

The Town of Old Lyme and the Sound View Commission are sponsoring family-friendly concerts at Sound View Beach this summer.

The second concert of the 2015 series will be held Thursday, July 9, and features the Grass Routes Bluegrass Band. The free outdoor concerts will take place from 7 through 8.30 p.m., near the flag pole at the end of Hartford Avenue at Sound View Beach.

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and settle in for a lovely evening of sunset music. Everyone is welcome to attend these family-friendly events.

There is no rain location for this concert. Should a weather cancellation be necessary it will be posted on LymeLine.com and the Town website under “News & Announcements.”

The original Old Lyme Town Band existed from 1886 to 1910. The band members practiced in the “Band Room,” a building on the corner of Shore and Ferry Roads that has since been converted to a residence.

In the summer of 1975, Michele Smith Dickey, a granddaughter of one of the original band members, re-formed the band in anticipation of the US bicentennial celebration. Dickey took lessons on a trombone which reputedly belonged to a member of the original Old Lyme Town Band. Donald Janse, then director of cadet musical activities at the US Coast Guard Academy and past director of the Coast Guard Band, was the first conductor of the modern band.

Since 1975, the band, whose members represent many area towns, has presented concerts from Guilford to Mystic, and from Old Lyme to Middletown, particularly during the summer.

Rehearsals are held Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. New members of all ages are welcome with no auditions.

Eight-year-old Zoe Eastman-Grossel of Old Lyme has qualified for the 2015 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games after competing in the regional qualifying meet in New Britain, Conn., held over June 26-28. The AAU Junior Olympics will be held in Norfolk, Va. from July 29 through Aug. 8

Zoe Eastman-Grossel (second from left) finishes in sixth place in the AAU Regional 100 meter final, qualifying her for a spot at the AAU Junior Olympics.

Zoe competed in the long jump, 100 meter dash and 400 meter dash. She qualified in the long jump by taking first place and also in the 100 meter dash with a sixth place finish in the finals.

Zoe attends the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London and trains with the Connecticut Hawks Track Club located in New Haven. Her parents are Martha Grossel and Deborah Eastman.